

F-Stop Collaborate and Listen
Matt Payne
This photography podcast takes you well beyond camera gear each week with weekly interviews and panel discussions with professional photographers, industry insiders, enthusiasts, and hobbyists alike. Our candid but laid-back conversations deeply explore the craft of photography and psychological drivers relating to creativity, motivation, inspiration, and workflow. We also discuss social media, photography business practices, marketing, sales, and hot topics impacting photographers from all genres, with a particular focus on landscape, nature, and wildlife photography. The show is hosted by Matt Payne, a professional full-time nature photographer and the co-founder of the internationally renowned photography competition, the Natural Landscape Photography Awards. Matt is also a mountaineer, climbing the highest 100 mountains in Colorado. Matt leverages skills he gained in pursuit of his Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology to dig deeply into the hearts and minds of his passionate guests, revealing secrets and inspiration in every episode.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 23, 2024 • 58min
401: Madeleine Lenagh - Photograph for Yourself!
As photographers, we often find ourselves at a crossroads between creating for income and passion. In this episode of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen," I had the pleasure of speaking with the incredibly talented Madeleine Lenagh, who shared her unique journey in creating her evocative photography book, "Perpetual Motion." Our conversation delved into her commitment to the project, the creative process, and the myriad challenges she faced.
Watch on YouTube
Resources Mentioned
Madeleine Lenagh's book Perpetual Motion
Support the Podcast on Patreon
Pitch Your Podcast Idea
Theo Bosboom
Elvis Dallie
Paulien Bunskoek

Dec 16, 2024 • 1h 46min
400: Adam Gibbs, Ben Horne, and Nick Carver - Navigating the Landscape of YouTube Photography
In this special 400th episode of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen,” host Matt Payne brings together renowned landscape photographers Adam Gibbs, Ben Horne, and Nick Carver to discuss their unique approaches to YouTube content creation and the complexities of balancing passion with financial sustainability. The conversation highlights the importance of authenticity and storytelling, the challenges posed by YouTube’s algorithm, and the imperative to keep photography enjoyable rather than a burdensome job. While they acknowledge the benefits of YouTube in reaching a global audience and securing new opportunities, the guests also share their strategies for managing video production without compromising their love for photography. The episode underscores the need for a dedicated audience over mere view counts and the critical role of maintaining a harmonious relationship with one’s craft.
Watch on YouTube instead.
Resources Mentioned:
Elements Photography Magazine - use the code FSTOP15 for 15% off
Support the podcast on Patreon!
Adam Gibbs' new Book - Land and Light - use the code LAND&LIGHT25 for 25% off

Dec 9, 2024 • 1h 42min
399: Mads Peter Iversen - Navigating AI's Impact on Photography
In this episode of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen," host Matt Payne engages with Danish landscape photographer Mads Peter Iversen in a detailed discussion about the intersection of traditional photography and digital art, particularly the impact of AI-generated images on the photography community. Mads shares insights into his personal journey from portrait to landscape photography, his business approach, and his critique of Instagram's evolving focus away from photographers’ needs. Both express concerns about the spread of fake images on social media and the undervaluation of creativity due to technological advancements, while also emphasizing the importance of intent, honesty, and personal satisfaction in the art of photography. The episode concludes with practical tips and reflections on their passion for capturing both iconic and original landscapes.
Don't miss an episode.
Resources Mentioned on the Podcast
Elements Photo Magazine (Use the code FSTOP15 for 15% off)
Natural Landscape Photography Awards
Mads Peter Iversen Photoshop Tutorials
Mads Peter Iversen eBooks
Watch the podcast on YouTube
Support the podcast on Patreon
Photographers Recommended on the Podcast
Enrico Fossati
James Popsys
Nigel Danson
Jeroen Van Nieuwenhove

Dec 2, 2024 • 1h 8min
398: Stephanie Johnson - Breaking Free From Creative Restraints in Photography
In this episode of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen," host Matt Payne engages with photographer Stephanie Johnson, who delves into her journey from seeking external validation to embracing an authentic creative process driven by personal passion. Stephanie sheds light on her evolution in Intentional Camera Movement (ICM) and her shift from results-driven to process-driven artistry, encouraging creative freedom and expression. They discuss the balance between financial sustainability and internal motivations in creative pursuits, along with Stephanie's teaching philosophy, her inspirations, and her work on the ICM Photography Magazine. Highlighting the importance of artistic experimentation and the personal joy found in creation, both share insights on letting go of expectations to enhance the creative experience.
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Resources Mentioned on the Podcast
Elements Photography Magazine (use the code FSTOP 15 for 15% off)
Stephanie Johnson's website
ICM Photography Magazine
David DuChemin's book "A Beautiful Anarchy"
Support the podcast on Patreon
Photographers Mentioned on the Podcast
Bill Ward
Glenys Garnett
Charles Needle
Anne Belmont

Nov 25, 2024 • 1h 4min
397: Dave Showalter - Living River - The Promise of the Mighty Colorado
In the latest episode of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen," host Matt Payne delves into the passion and perseverance required in the field of conservation photography with guest Dave Showalter. The conversation starts with the exploration of perseverance—a crucial trait for photographers. Many individuals face frustrations when trying to discover their unique voice and vision, often encountering rejections and funding challenges, particularly in conservation work. Showalter recounts his experience of long-term dedication, underscoring the necessity of pushing through setbacks and rejections. He even shares practical tips from his personal journey, like opting to sleep in his truck to save costs.
Explore practical strategies for organizing and executing impactful conservation projects, which can transform your approach to storytelling and advocacy in photography. Join us for a discussion that will surely inspire you to get out there and make meaningful photographs!
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Resources Mentioned on the Podcast
Elements Photo Magazine
Dave Showalter’s Book - Living River
Support the podcast on Patreon
Western Rivers Action Network
Platte Basin Time Lapse
The Land Desk Blog by Jonathan Thompson
Matt's Colorado Trail Podcast episode
Tribal Water Center
Kerrin Burke Lahr's Svalbard images and stories
The Creative Act by Rick Rubin (Affiliate Link)
Photographers Recommended
Michael Forsberg
Amy Gulick
Clay Bolt
Alan Murabayashi

Nov 18, 2024 • 1h 1min
396: Tracey Halladay - How an Organ Donation and Photography Saved Me
In the latest episode of the "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen" podcast, sponsored by Elements Magazine, host Matt Payne sits down with the remarkably resilient Tracey Halladay. Tracey’s story is an extraordinary journey through life-changing health challenges and a profound evolution in her visual art. Episode 396 offers listeners an inside look at how Tracey's perspective on life and photography was transformed by a life-saving kidney transplant.
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Watch on YouTube
Resources Mentioned:
Elements Magazine
Support the Podcast on Patreon
Lee Nordbye's podcast episode
Offbeat Photography Community
OnLandscape Magazine
Nature Vision Magazine
Support Tracey's sister Tara to get her transplant
Photographer's Recommended:
Dara Ojo
Monika Deviat
Wayne Simpson
Dana Pitts
Tim Osborne
Kris Andres

Nov 11, 2024 • 1h 11min
395: Chris Wright - Photography for a Better World
In this episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne interviews Chris Wright, an academic and photographer dedicated to documenting the environmental impacts of climate change. Wright's key project focuses on coal ash waste sites near Lake Macquarie, using drone photography to highlight the "toxic sublime"—stunning yet harmful landscapes. Wright delves into the significant health risks posed by these sites, shares insights from his broader photography work on fossil fuel addiction, and discusses his academic research on corporate and governmental responses to climate change. Emphasizing the importance of visual storytelling, Wright also touches on the challenges photographers face in bringing environmental issues to light, while advocating for a deeper interconnection between photography and conservation efforts.
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Resources Mentioned:
Support the podcast on Patreon
Hidden Brain podcast episode on Climate Change inaction
Chris' book: "Organizing Responses to Climate Change: The Politics of Mitigation, Adaptation, and Suffering"
Planetary Boundaries in Climate Change
Paul Hoelen's podcast episode
Dan Winters' photograph, "Julia Butterfly Hill"
Pascal's Wager & The Precautionary Principle
Michaela Skovranova
Chris Eyre-Walker
Phil Norton

Nov 4, 2024 • 1h 13min
394: Mary Jo Hoffman - The Transformative Power of Dailiness
Mary Jo Hoffman, a renowned nature photographer and creator of the 'Still' project, discusses the beauty of everyday life through her daily photography practice. She shares her journey from aerospace engineering to embracing creativity, emphasizing how routine can spark artistic growth. Hoffman explores the art of noticing ordinary beauty, inspiring listeners to appreciate the mundane. She reflects on the challenges of capturing fleeting moments in nature and draws inspiration from both historical and contemporary photographers.

Oct 28, 2024 • 1h 5min
393: Nina Fuller - Finding Your Niche in Photography
In this episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne sits down with Nina Fuller, a seasoned photographer and dedicated shepherdess. Along with the subject of finding your niche in photography, they delve into a myriad of topics ranging from the nuances of gallery representation to the therapeutic aspects of sheep photography. Join us as we unveil the unique journey of Nina Fuller and her relationship with photography, art, and nature.
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Watch on YouTube
Resources Mentioned on the Podcast
John Cohen
Bryan Hansel Article on the Photographic Illusion
Portland Art Gallery
Down East Article on Gina Fuller
Nature Photographer's Network and Nature Vision Magazine
Support the Podcast on Patreon
Photographer's Recommended on the Podcast
Whitney Legge
Nancy Brown
Gina Danza

Oct 21, 2024 • 1h 5min
392: Brad Carr - Vulnerability and Human Connection Through Photography
In the latest episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne explores the transformative journey of Brad Carr, a landscape photographer whose past trauma fuels his artistic passion. Brad and his family fled the busy cityscape of Portsmouth to escape a dangerous stepfather, finding solace in the tranquil town of Welshpool in Mid Wales. This move marked the beginning of Brad’s intimate relationship with nature—a therapeutic bond that began to form during the lockdowns of 2020. The picturesque countryside of Welshpool, with its sprawling landscapes and ancient woodlands, became both Brad's sanctuary and creative muse, setting the stage for a profound journey of self-discovery and emotional healing.
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Resources Mentioned on the Podcast
Guy Tal's Essay: The Mindful Photographer
'Iron John' by Robert Bly (affiliate link)
Brad Carr's Photo Book: "Finding Light" (Use code fstop10 for a 10% discount)
Brad's article, "A Bridge Between Two Worlds"
My OnLandscape Essay about Bill Ferngren's Photography
Support the podcast on Patreon, and engage in listener discussions about each episode
Photographer's Mentioned on the Podcast
Bill Ferngren
Wendy Bagnall
Simon Baxter
Nigel Danson
Thomas Heaton


